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UF and CFAS begin collaboration on Scott Building

A collaboration between local architects and University of Florida students kicked off the Center for Architecture Sarasota's first day today in its location on Orange Avenue.

UF students, members of CFAS and local architects met Tuesday, Jan. 21 to discuss the future of the historic Scott Building.

CFAS and the University of Florida plan to use the building for community and educational purposes. The building will be divided into two spaces. The north side of the building will be transformed into a workspace for The University of Florida’s Masters in Architecture’s new City Lab–Sarasota program; CFAS will use the other space to educate the community on architecture through films, events and lecture series.

“It’s a community effort,” says Sarasota architect Damien Blumetti, who works with Guy Peterson OFA. “It’s also a fantastic space. This project will raise the profile and interest of architecture along with the education aspect of it.”

The University of Florida’s Masters in Architecture’s City Lab-Sarasota is a hands-on architectural program based out of Sarasota.

“The program will facilitate dialogue,” says Director of the School of Architecture Martin Gold. “It is both conceptual and visionary.”

Students will learn the practicalities of building in cities, such as Sarasota, by attending city meetings and talking with the community, as well as practicing design work.

“We’re trying to bring more of the current problems and issues today’s architectures in communities deal with," says Gold. "It’s not just buildings but also urban design, community design and infrastructure,” he says.

In February, the county will turn the building over to UF and CFAS. CFAS hopes to start construction in April. UF students will work closely with architects and CFAS in redesigning the building. City Lab–Sarasota classes will begin in August.